This is probably the single best source for Model Railroad sets and accessories currently.
Just click on the banner to visit their store.

Firstly are you buying a model railroad for Yourself or a Child ?
If its for a Child then your option is fairly easy -
a Complete train set with locomotive,Tender,Carriages,Track and Controls will suit and this is the most basic setup you can find.

Later on you can add scenery,stations,houses and even people !

You can buy this either new from one of the companies mentioned below or used - either from an auction (like ebay) or from a fleamarket or car boot sale.

The new option is the one that I would choose as it would be very disappointing for a child to have their new train break down

If you are buying for your self then the choice is a little more difficult.

Firstly the Gauge - (Scale) this varies from TT (smallest) through gauges HO, S to OO and O - where O is the largest scale model. OO is more common in the UK.

This is REALLY important - where are you going to put your model train layout ?
If you have a spare room or attic that you can use then that's ideal - otherwise measure up your available space and next plan your layout according to the space available.

Its a good idea to start with a small model train set and build it up later as that way you'll get pleasure out of it right from the start.

You might like to consider buying a complete train set with track,controller and(if necessary) transformer.

You should also make sure you get a suitable Locomotive (your preference - old or modern according to how you plan your layout) a tender and coaches or other rolling stock.

Kits usually come either with an oval layout with a few straight pieces or as a figure of eight.

In either case you will eventually want to build up your layout to include scenery,station(s),sidings and crossings or crossover track sections.

There are huge numbers of items you can build up your layout with to look its best for you.

Some people like to choose an actual station and track layout and copy it in miniature.

This always looks very attractive and realistic.

It also helps if everything in your layout matches in historical detail and again lots of accessories are available to help you.

Whatever layout you choose,its only sensible to leave a little room for expansion,as you will regret later not having room for a new module for your system.
There are books of suggested layouts but most people prefer to use these as a starting point and to finalise their system themselves.

Slavish copying of a design can be fun at first but I believe there is more satisfaction obtained from planning and designing your own layout.

It is of course possible to buy secondhand locos and rolling stock and track seems to be very cheap at car boot sales - so that's a good efficient way to expand your layout.

Locomotives are (as I mentioned earlier) worth much more if they are in their original boxes - as is rolling stock so always store the empty boxes inside storage boxes or units to keep them safe from damage.

When buying track always ensure you buy enough straight and curved sections to complete the task !

Have Fun Choosing and Building Your System !
You ARE allowed to enjoy it you know !

Most people had a model railway set while they were young - I had mine in the 1950's and have regretted not keeping the boxes ever since !
Hornby Dublo was THE name in the UK then and we played with that set for hours & hours & hours.
Collecting Model Railways is now a very profitable investment opportunity - and you get some fun with them too !
But where should you buy ?
Dealers are great and very knowledgeable but for real bargains you should haunt car boot sales, charity sales at charity shops and jumble sales.
Garage sales are THE best opportunity as the owner is probably just clearing out his/her attic or garage.
Supermarkets are a great place to advertise as they get huge numbers of people reading their message boards.
Have some flyers printed with you name & mobile number advertising to buy old train sets. This works well. Pay someone trustworthy to distribute them door to door.(Not just the kid next door - he/she may get bored and just dump them !)
One thing you should get before going out to purchase is a collectors price guide - this will stop you making expensive mistakes (there are dealers out there looking for the unwary !)
The main thing is to look for sets or Locomotives in the best possible condition - WITH ORIGINAL BOXES !
There are a number of price guides available and these are listed below.
Condition can make a difference of up to 10x in value on early trains.
Don't ignore scenery and accessories though - these are also very collectable - most enthusiasts want to make permanent authentic layouts with relevant stations,crossings,points and buildings. These should preferably be unpainted (this realy drops their value)
You should also advertise in classified local newspapers and in newsagents windows - you'd be amazed at how many people just don't realise the worth of what they have.
Give your mobile phone number and be careful about visiting strangers with pocketsful of cash to buy things. Thieves rarely lure unsuspecting buyer with what seems like a great deal.Best thing in a dubious district is to meet at a fast fod restaurant or cafe and do your deal publicly.
Car boot sales - just get there 1/2 an hour before the sale begins - you'll need to grab worthwhile sets as they are unpacked - you are not the only collector around ! I buy things at boot sales by taking a place in the boot sale to resell things and then I just lock up the car and wander round while other vendors are unpacking - that's when you get the best bargains.Don't forget to take a shopping trolley to bring your catch home in !
Good luck with your bargain hunting

Buy at AllPosters.com

Buy at AllPosters.com

Buy at AllPosters.com